DRIVERS heading south are facing major delays today (Sunday) after hundreds of litres of diesel were spilled on a Hampshire motorway.

Emergency services have closed off a stretch of the M3 near Winchester after an accident involving a lorry in the early hours of this morning.

The accident happened when a lorry suffered a serious break down between junctions 10 and 9.

According to the Highways Agency the drive shaft had fallen from the vehicle and ruptured its fuel tank.

It caused 600 litres of diesel to be spilled across the carriageway.

The agency added that as a result another vehicle collided with the drive shaft.

The road has now closed for the clear up operation which should take "several hours".

The organisation says that diversions are in place and that drivers should follow the black diamond symbol.

Motorists should leave the M3 at junction 10 and take the third exit from the roundabout on to the A31.

At the next roundabout they should take the second exit to continue north to the roundabout with the A272.

Motorists should take the first exit and continue north to the M3 at junction nine to re-join the motorway.

The Highways Agency say they do not expect the road to reopen until at least 1pm.